Stockton Joins Our Little Family

He's here!!  

Stockton Jean Cullimore was born on October 7th at 10:59pm.  

He weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 20in long.

This is how our sweet little guy came into this world:

First off, let me start where I left off, at 38 weeks pregnant.  That week my body gave a lot of signs (I will spare you the details) that perhaps I would go into labor on my own and possibly have him before my due date (Oct. 8).  So I got busy doing all the things that you hear to get things rolling, I scrubbed my kitchen floor and did a lot of cleaning around the house, I briskly walked up and down the hills in my neighborhood pushing James in a stroller, I did squats, etc.  I can't say doing these things did not help things progress but they ultimately did not put me in labor.  The only thing that they noticeably did was wear me out haha...Ok, I guess my house needed to be cleaned and it doesn't hurt to get some exercise ;) 

Going into this pregnancy, my doctor said since it was my second I could get induced as early as 39 weeks.  As tempting as that was, I decided to give myself an extra week to let my body do what it needed to do and hopefully go into labor on my own, I just did not want to go past my due date.  So I set up an induction date of October 7th.

Well that weekend it was becoming apparent that I was not going to go into labor on my own but I was ok with that at that point.  Unlike my last few weeks being pregnant with James, this time my body was ready.  I was dilated to a 3 and other things were happening that led me to believe it would be a lot smoother this time around.

Sunday night the hospital called us to let us know that we were scheduled at 11am to come in and get started but to call an hour before to make sure things were running as planned.  Monday morning we called and they had a few unplanned patients that day and were waiting for a room to become free.  After a few frustrating phone calls telling us "we are still waiting" and one that said "it'll be a few hours", we finally got the go-ahead to come in at 3:15pm.  It was so hard to wait.  We got into our room and I got changed and then we had to wait...again.  It was good though because during this time, Carson was able to give me a blessing.  I am so grateful to have the Priesthood in my family.  By 5pm I was hooked up to Pitocin and we were getting the party started (only 6 hours late). 

Soon after they hooked me up, the doctor came in and broke my water.  I was still only a 3 at this point.  The doctor left to perform a c-section at American Fork hospital and told me when he got back, I was all his.  I thought, Well hopefully this doesn't last two days then like it did with James or you may be re-thinking that statement.  ;)

This time around we decided we would like our family there with us to welcome this boy into the world.  Of course only the women were invited :)  Andrea was not there but instead was so kind to offer to take James while this was going on and we are so so very grateful for her. Courtney was so nice to take pictures for us with her nice camera and did such a great job capturing this special experience for us.  Cardin and Brandi were not able to be there in person but we were able to FaceTime them.  Crazy thing- technology these days.  Glad they were able to be there with us.  

Our family started showing up just as my contractions started to pick up.  Kristy and Lisa were great doula's.  So was Carson :) I figured I would get an epidural cause I'm a wuss but for some reason I wanted to see how far I could handle the pain.  I really wanted to experience as much of it naturally as I could handle so I put off having the epidural.  It was nice because as the contractions picked up, I found it was much more bearable to get out of the bed and try different positions to help me get through the contractions.  Getting up and allowing gravity to help also helped speed up the process.  As soon as I got out of the bed, I was at a 5 within an hour or so.  

That's some intense back rubbing!

You can tell when I'm having a contraction 

and when it's my "rest time".

"Oh man this hurts."

"Ok, we're good, someone get me some ice chips." :)

After I reached a 5, the contractions started coming quicker and were more intense.  I can not say there weren't any tears shed and maybe a few painful outbursts but I was getting through the contractions.  It actually wasn't near as painful as it was with James and I only hit a 4 with him before I got the epidural.  Maybe I just knew what to expect? 15 minutes later, my nurse checked me again and I was at an 8.  I went from a 5 to an 8 in 15 minutes!!  Then I panicked and said, "Get the Anesthesiologist!"  It's a good thing he was able to come fairly quickly as I will tell you my delivery was again not ideal.

getting the epidural

ahhh much better

Shortly after getting the epidural it was time to push!  It was a little after 9pm at this point.  We couldn't believe how quick things were going.  Such a better experience this time around thus far.  Of course my doctor was back and "I was all his" so it was go-time!  Everything was smooth sailing up until this point.  I began pushing and pushed for quite some time when my doctor informed us that Stockton was posterior and was stuck on my pubic bone.  I was worried I was faced with the possibility of a c-section but my doctor reassured me that it would not be necessary.  

I was so grateful I hurried and got the epidural when I had.  I really believe I could have done it without medication if my delivery was as fast and smooth as my labor but I can not imagine going through the delivery I had without any medication.  I pushed for just shy of 2 hours and excuse my being so graphic, the doctor had to reach up there and try and turn Stockton.  When that wasn't working, he acted as forceps and aided in getting Stockton's poor little head under my pubic bone.  

  

We were all a little worried.  I kept hearing my mom say, "Come on little guy, come on."

Finally after an emotional and grueling two hours of pushing, baby Stockton was here!  The poor little guy had a huge purple goose egg on the top of his head but he was here and was healthy.

Overall this time around, the experience was SO much better.  It's always such a great, spiritual experience bringing a child into the world, but it was much easier on all of us this time :)

We can't believe how much Stockton looks like James when he was a newborn.  

James has done so well adjusting to having a little brother.  This was my biggest concern and so far I'm not sure why I was so worried about it.  James adores Stockton! He will come up and rub his head and give him kisses.  He loves to help me change his diaper and get him dressed.  He's a good little helper.  He will say in a high pitched voice, "Aww look at him!  He's so cute!"  or "Ohhh he's looking at me." haha he's so sweet.

Carson goes back to work this week so we'll see how it goes! Wish us luck!  Carson has been such a big help.  He is such a great father and husband.  I couldn't have asked for a better companion and father to my children. 

Love my little family of 4!

   

38 Weeks

I am currently 38 weeks now!  I have been SO anxious to meet this little boy and I now feel that at 38 weeks we can get the ball rolling.  Suggestions on safe, effective ways to naturally induce labor are much appreciated :)

With James I went to 41 weeks and had to be induced and it was sort of a traumatic labor and delivery you can read my post about that here.  He just didn't want to come out!  We are hoping this time around that it will go much smoother.  I would really like to experience going into labor naturally and know that it would result in a much more ideal experience.

This whole pregnancy I have been kind of scared and it has been hard to really get excited to have another little one.  Why scared?  Well I'm a worry wart and a planner.  I like knowing what to expect and get stuck in my "comfort zone".  I have been worried about how it will change our family and how James will react to having a sibling.  At first I felt so selfish for feeling this way but then realized that many momma's also experienced these same feelings going from one to two children.  It wasn't until I was probably into the third trimester when I really started to get excited and stopped worrying about how I'm going to be out-numbered during the day and how James is going to feel.  I know the first few weeks will be challenging but I think now I am ready for the challenge and James will be such a good big brother!

My checklist is DONE!  I cut and colored my very neglected hair this past Saturday and the nursery is done (except for a few touches after the baby is born like photos etc).  Now that my list is done though, I am so much more anxious for him to get here already haha

Here's a sneak peek into the nursery:

I wish this was my nursery but this is my inspiration photo. 

 I really love the red and teal and applied it to our nursery!  

I will post a pic of mine when it's all finished!

I love these two pieces that are in the nursery.  The herringbone design on the left I made with vinyl stencils and just applied them on the glass of the frame and then bought the paper at The Paper Source. The birds I found at Ikea for 5 bucks and framed it!  Love love a good deal!

I am SO loving that we are now into Fall!  A relief from the blasted heat! I can definitely tell a difference in the temperature and love feeling the cool breeze.  I just wish Fall would stick around a little longer than it does.  It's crazy how much better you feel all around with a 10 degree drop in temperature especially when you're pregnant.

I have really noticed in this last month that my brain is so foggy and I am having some intense pelvic pain lately so as much as I enjoy being pregnant (most of the time) I am definitely ready to have my body back.

Carson went out of town last week for business and although I didn't think I'd go into labor early, it was just a little nerve racking with him gone 3 weeks before I was due!  Luckily everything went well.  I was nervous to be James' only entertainment 24/7 since I've been so tired and achy but we had so much fun together!  I know it's probably going to be the last time spending that much time together one-on-one so I thoroughly enjoyed that time with my little guy.  I also was able to work one day for a few hours and my sister was kind to watch him- that by the way almost put me into labor!  I hadn't worked for a month and boy does a month make a huge difference.  I was having contractions toward the end of my shift and afterward so I went home and took a warm bath and relaxed and they luckily calmed down.  If Carson weren't gone I would've welcomed the contractions!  I also was able to go enjoy some pampering time with some ladies from my ward (3 of us are pregnant).  I got a shellac manicure in baby blue of course :)

Wow, look at those veiny hands!

I have also been able to enjoy a couple home BYU football games with the family before the baby comes.  I love this time of year and believe it or not, I love football season.

I have started decorating for Halloween- my favorite holiday!  I got an early start this year because baby is due but I also just couldn't wait any longer.  I will post some pics soon, it just needs some final touches.

Cullimore Family Reunion

Labor Day weekend we had the opportunity to go down to St. George with the extended Cullimore family.  There were about 80 people there!  Carson's aunt and uncle have a gorgeous house down there that backs onto a golf course with a nice pool and entertaining area out back.  Most of us were staying in a nearby hotel but would often gather there. 

We visited church sites, swam, ate, and enjoyed each others company.

James had fallen asleep in the car on the way down and woke up as we were getting into St. George.  All we heard was a gasp from the back seat.  He saw the red rock and was thrilled that we were in "Radiator Springs" :)

We checked in and turned on the game just in time to cheer on BYU!

Eating at Pizza Factory

Doing gel glitter toes.  I bought a kit and it's really fun to do plus they look super cute!

hmmm this pic really doesn't show 

it right but they are super cute 

and my feet look tan here ;)

It was SO hot and surprisingly really humid down there.  We were visiting numerous church sites and James sat down on this curb to "take a break" in his words haha.  

He was happy though and gave me a smile for the picture.

The boys found a big snake that was pretty aggressive and "jumped" 

out at them a few times.

  Luckily it was not a rattler :)

Ha, Carson ran into this guy at our hotel and talked to him.  Recognize him, Friday Night Light lovers?  

It's Landry's dad, the cop.  Glenn Morshower is his name.  I think he's such a great actor and there's something about his voice I love.  He just always plays a down to earth nice guy.  This is a pic of him in 24 I really liked him in that.  He was in St. George on his way up to the Comic Con.

Thank you Gummy and Gumpy for putting this together and allowing us to have this great experience.

 We had a blast.  I seriously love this family.

Me oh my have I exploded in the last month!  It seriously was like one day I woke up and thought did this baby grow like 3 lbs over-night? 

I looked back at pics and sure enough he really has been super busy growing in there!

I am currently 33 weeks.  Only 7 more weeks to go! 

I'm busy finishing up a project- I know, I know I said I was done but this one HAS to be finished before baby comes...plus surprisingly enough, Carson is forcing me haha.  But it's a good thing.  I will post about it when it's done.  I am also organizing and getting baby boy's room in order.  Just bought some new curtains for it and I absolutely LOVE them!

He still doesn't have a name :(  We keep asking James what we should name him and he usually replies "Hmmmm....Momma?"

August has been hard.  I figured it would be.  I'm ALWAYS hot and I am oh so uncomfortable- already!  I'd be really pleased if he came at the end of September :) though we still have lots to do before he makes his debut.  

Thought I'd throw in a pic of my other boys.  

James is such a copy cat.  I love them both, they light up my life. 

Story of a Broken Nose

Yeah, I broke my nose.  I know, you're thinking how the heck did a pregnant woman break her nose? I'm wondering the same thing haha.  Well, it's kind of a funny story that I thought I'd blog about so that I can remember the details so here goes.

My sister, Kristy, called me Monday morning to see if I wanted to go with her and her kids and also my other sister's kids to Trafalga.  She was watching my oldest sister's kids while she was away for girls camp.  I thought, sure I'll go to help and James will have fun playing with his cousins. Plus we have a POAP so it was free!

We got there a little late and they were on the bumper boats so we watched them do that.  After that, my sister informed me that they had an 11:00 laser tag game and had also scheduled an 11:30 as well.  We were going to take turns taking the kids since the two youngest kids weren't old enough to go.  We watched Zach on the go-carts and then let the little ones play in the toddler section while we got ready to head up to our game.  My sister's little girl was crying so we decided I would go with the others for this first game.

all the kids hanging on the chain link watching Zach on the go-carts

The game was fine all until the end.  We were all obeying rules such as "no running" etc but somehow I still managed to hurt myself.  I swear only I could do that.  So here's how it happened.  I'm embarrassed to admit it but I just have to preface, it was dark, ok??  I was crouched down in an alcove and thought someone was after me so I abruptly turned and quickly headed into a dark hallway...or so I thought.  Nope it was a wall! Yep, I ran into a wall...

When I hit, the first thing I thought was Oh my gosh, I really hit that hard.  Wow, how embarrassing.  I hope no one saw me. Luckily and surprisingly no one was around.  It was a pretty full game.  Then the pain hit.  My whole mouth and nose hurt.  My first thought was, Did I bust my teeth? So I reached up to assess the damage.  Phew, my teeth were still there.  Then I felt the blood start trickling out of my nose so my hand went up to my nose.  Yep, bleeding and wow did it hurt!  Great.  Can't hide my stupidity now.  Now I have to find the exit while trying to contain the blood.  Luckily the game ended so I headed to the exit.

I came through and feeling like a complete idiot, I told the worker I had a bloody nose and asked if she had a tissue.  She did not have one nearby but told me there was a bathroom out the exit and down the stairs. Um, I'm not going all the way out there with blood all over my face and hands.  That'll bring lots of attention.  Also my younger nieces and nephews needed help with getting their vests off.

We were still in a dark room so I thought ok, I will hold my nose and can get these kids out of their vests and out of here and hopefully no one will really notice.  Wrong.  Of course my sweet nieces and nephews were asking "Shell, are you alright?"  I told them I was fine.  By then my oldest nephew had come out and I asked him to go down to the bathroom and get me some tissue.  A couple grown women coming up to me saying, "Oh my gosh, You're nose is bleeding!"  Uhhhh really??  Yep, that's why my hand is covering it.  Thanks.  I just waved them off and told them I was fine.  After the fact, I do appreciate their concern.  I was just so embarrassed and didn't want attention.  My nephew came back up with a tissue and we snuck out.

We got out into the light and my sweet six year old nephew wouldn't leave my side and was so cute wanting to hold my hand (which was covered in blood) and kept asking, "Shell, are you ok?"  I looked at him and was shocked by what I saw.  I immediately asked, "Jacob, you're asking if I'm ok!?  Are YOU ok?"  He had a huge goose egg on his eye and it was already black and blue.  I said, "What happened!?"  He just shrugged haha.  I didn't even hear him cry during the game.  What a brave kid! Later my sister found out from him that he ran into the back of someone's gun.  Just a bunch of clumsy's we are :)

Here is his shiner that day.  This pic doesn't even do it justice.  

And by the second day it was even worse!

We were getting a lot of stares, ha I'm sure between me and my nephew, we looked like quite a sight.  What are the odds that there would be injuries from the same party, in the same game that weren't even related?  I had them wait outside while I went into the restroom to wash up.  Luckily my bloody nose had stopped at this point.  When I went back out, they had found my sister who mouthed to me across the facility What the heck happened!?  Haha I felt like everyone was staring at us.  I was mortified.  I filled her in on all the happenings and then the pain really hit and I felt light headed and sick to my stomach and had to sit down.  I kept laughing though.  It really was funny. She suggested I go get it checked out.  We both were really concerned that I may have broken my nose.

I sat for a minute and made sure I was ok to drive then grabbed James.  He was so sad we had to leave early.  So was I.  Luckily he didn't realize I had been injured.  I didn't want to bring any attention to it so I wouldn't freak him out.  I had forgotten to get ice at Trafalga so I stopped at a gas station to get some and called to set up an appointment with my doctor.  I also shot Carson a text.  He was working.  It read, I very well could have broken my nose...Call me when you can.  He called me right away.  After getting back in the car with ice and James seeing me put it on my face, he became a little concerned.  He kept asking, "Momma, what happened?"  the whole drive home.  I would tell him, "Momma just ran into a wall.  I'm fine."

When I went in to see my doctor, he evaluated me and I got some X-rays.  He looked in my nasal passageways and said that my septum may be deviated.  He couldn't tell if it was that or just swelling but that it was definitely swollen.  In fact it was completely closed off.  No wonder I couldn't breathe out of my nose.  So he said he would look again after the swelling had settled.  We looked at the x-rays and sure enough there were two breaks on my nasal bone.  Luckily he said they were aligned and he wouldn't have to set it.  Oh man, was I glad.  I was so worried about that part!  He also said I shouldn't see any bumps on the bridge of my nose after it heals.  When the swelling goes down, then I'll know for sure.

Here it is on the day I injured it 

(my upper lip was swollen too but luckily went away that evening)

So luckily my healing consists of ice and pain meds and making sure nothing bumps it because then it could easily get out of alignment.  Hard to do with a two year old :/  but so far so good. Hopefully it'll heal on it's own and go back to the same ol' nose I'm used to.  If my septum is deviated, it may mean surgery.  Let's hope not.

I'm surprised it didn't bruise as much as I thought it would.  I'm grateful for that and grateful that I'm not disfigured haha.  The first two days were pretty painful.  I never realized I crinkle my nose so much when I talk until it hurt to do so.  I was also so stuffy from all the swelling and a little "nasaly" sounding when I talked.  Sleeping was also a little rough between waking up because I couldn't breathe or the pain and also the pregnancy factors but it was definitely better than I thought it would be.  By now, about four days later, I actually feel pretty good.  I don't have to take anything for pain and the swelling has improved.  So now it's just a matter of letting it heal and being careful.  I can handle that.  I will go back to my doctor to have him check it again in a few days.  Hopefully everything will look ok and no surgery will be needed.

I guess it's time for me to take it easy.  Really though, that game was not that risky.  I'm just clumsy haha.